JS 4

Ibanez JS4 Story

The Ibanez JS4 was sold between 1992 and 1993. It’s basically a JS1 with a special custom graphic Electric Rainbow designed by one of Joe’s sister, Joan Satriani. Just like the JS3 which was painted by Donnie Hunt and the JS5 by another of Joe’s sisters, Carol Satriani.

The only differences with the JS1 was the Lo Pro Edge tremolo that replaced the Edge and the graphic finish (the new JS1 from 1992 also had this feature). The body is still in American basswood featuring a 22 fret maple JS neck with 6105 frets inlaid with pearly dots.

The JS4 is now a collection guitar due to its rarity.

This artwork hangs at the top of the stairs outside my office, so I tend to take it for granted. I must have walked past this thousands of times over the years — usually in a hurry so rarely taking notice. It’s the original “Electric Rainbow” painting Joe Satriani’s older sister, Joan, did as a sample for the JS4, the first of a very limited series of hand painted JS guitars issued back in 1992. It’s signed on the mat in the lower left corner. There was a companion piece to this —“The Rain Forest”— painted by Joe’s second sister, Carol, which unfortunately, someone liberated from our possession back when the paintings, along with the guitars were shown at the NAMM show.

Joe Satriani Universe is the worldwide community of Joe Satriani fans. Discover all about Satch, Chickenfoot & the G3. Learn how to play his songs in exclusive lessons, discover all about his Ibanez JS guitars, his amps, pedals and his signature gear.